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Mini Book Reviews #3

Saturday, September 16, 2017

I think I'm finally getting my reading mojo back back a terrible August, I thought that I'd read so much on trains last month and while on holiday in Norway but I didn't although I did read these two books last month along with a few others - you can read my August wrap-up post if you want to find out what I finished last month or you can follow me on GoodReads for updates and ratings!

On one of my regular scrolling sessions through Amazon, I noticed this book and I was instantly intrigued as the cover is gorgeous and the premise reminded me of The Night Circus which was one of my favourite books of last year. It follows Dana, a tightrope walker as she experiences a family tragedy that hangs over her as she is trying to move on, make new relationships and uncover the secrets of the place she was born, Matryoshka, known as the mysterious city of circles.

The book was initially fantastically atmospheric, dark and intriguing; also the travelling circus setting is amazing! The characters felt familiar and believable, it was entertaining on the whole and I liked the general mystery but I expected SO much more! The writing was, for me, overly descriptive to the point where I was skim reading paragraph after paragraph and I hated the romantic focus of the book as it wasn't romantic or tension filled, it was just frustrating and drawn out. I also wasn't overly happy with the ending and the reveal felt too predictable. I think part of my problem and disappointment with this book was my fault as I built it up so much and had high expectations. I would recommend it if it sounds like something you'd like.

*Karate Chop by Dorthe Nors (96 pages - available now) - ★★★☆☆, 3/5

Surprise book mail are some of the nicest packages to receive and this one intrigued me instantly as the cover is just so gorgeous and all of the reviews rave about how beautiful, fantastic and darkly funny the stories are so I couldn't wait to give it a go. It's a very short collection of fifteen stories, all of which are very raw, unusual or stark which is quite refreshing.

I think my favourite short stories from this collection include: Flight, She Frequented Cemeteries and The Wadden Sea, you can tell from the titles of the short stories that they aren't your typical or generic short stories. Before receiving this beautiful book, I hadn't heard of Dorthe Nors but I'll definitely be looking out for her work in the future as it was just so unusual, raw and different to what I'm usually reading or choosing.

Have you read either of these books? What are you currently reading or planning to read?

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